Live.
If our LIVE STREAM is roaring, you will see it here! Services usually begin around 10:45am on Sunday!
Our prayer is that the Spirit of the Living God would move through these services! We do hope to see you at our in-person service soon.
Familial Language of Discipleship. 1 Thes. 3:1-3.
In just three short verses, Paul calls on the brothers and sisters of the faith to be like “children, nursing mothers, and encouraging fathers.” What does he mean by these terms, and how does it help us with the process of discipleship. Certainly the making of disciples is one area that we can all improve in! Do listen!
Exodus 33 Through the Lens of Human Flourishing
The University of Harvard’s 5-year and 200,000 participant study was stretched over 22 countries, and they were able to narrow down the ideal circumstances under which humans flourish. In this sermon Pastor Phil reads Exodus 33 through this study, finding many of the exact longings of humanity. Do you see the desire for companionship, relational depth, rest, and awe? Aren’t we still asking the same questions, thousands of years later?
Dressed in the Blood of the Lamb? Matt. 22:1-14.
In this parable of the wedding banquet, we find this amazing story of the king came in to see the guests, and “he noticed a man there who was not wearing a wedding robe, and he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding robe?' And he was speechless.” What is this required robe? Why is it that the good and bad are invited to the wedding, but only the one without the robe is excluded? Do listen!
What Makes a Wicked Tenant…Wicked? Matt. 21.
Sometimes parables can take work to understand. Which one is me? Who is God in the story, and what is it he is trying to tell us? In this simple parable, the work is done for us! The pharisees and religious elites understood quite clearly that he was speaking of them! If these folks were the “wicked tenants” in the story, what actions made them wicked? Do we see these things in ourselves, and what has Jesus done to give us a little hope?
That’s My Father’s House! John 13-14.
Jesus is about to depart, having his face set toward the cross, and the disciples are a bit worried! Why can’t we go with you? Where are you going? Jesus tells them that they should not let their hearts be troubled, because His Father’s house has many rooms. How does Jesus going there “to prepare a place” lead to them “not letting their hearts be troubled?” As one of the most anxious generations in the history of the world, what can we take from this to calm our hearts?
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard.
Guest Preacher Seth McDevitt blessed us with this beautiful sermon from Matthew 20:1-16. What is the Kingdom of God like? What is the King like? And what are we to be, as the King’s people? Here we see that the King is active, generous, and inefficient (full of grace)! Do listen to this amazing sermon from one of the most well known parables in the Bible! Thank you Seth for visiting FBC Covington, Oklahoma! We appreciate you!
Our Pattern of Sin & God’s Pattern of Mercy. Ps. 106.
What does it mean when we read in the Bible that "all of us like sheep have gone astray" or that "no one seeks good, not one" Is this too harsh of an assessment? The scriptures reveal the depths of our brokenness in Psalm 106. We are forgetful, prone to syncretism, and we often fail to believe in God's promises. This was true of our ancestors, of the readers when Psalm 106 was written, and unfortunately, it is true of us as well. It is a pattern that occurs over and over again. Yet, what follows our sins is the mercy of God. When we fall, fail, and goof, He extends His mercy.
Candlesticks or Handcuffs? Romans 12 and 13.
In Romans 12 we find a beautiful section of scripture about mercy, and how we should be handing it out indiscriminately. What follows is Romans 13, which answers the question that has to be sitting in the reader’s mind: “Is God really going to let these bad guys get away with all of this?” Did you know that our God has set up government, as His servant, and He has given her the duty of punishing evil doers and rewarding those that do good? So, do we bake the bad guys a cake or call the police? Do listen!
Love Looks Differently. Romans 12:9-21.
“They will know you by your love for one another.” That is one of the “one another passages” that are so frequent in the New Testament. Certainly, the love we have for our brothers and sisters in the faith is unique, but the uniqueness of our love doesn’t end there! In fact, it is even extended to our enemies! What does this love look like, how do we grow it, and have we experienced it ourselves? You will be surprised by the answers!
Eat My Flesh & Drink My Blood. 2 Kings 6:24-7:20.
A hungry people were delivered through the most unlikely of messengers! A people turning to cannibalism, and a King that is at the end of his rope! A war is one without the people ever lifting a finer! What else could someone want in a good story? Better yet, if indeed, “every story whispers the name of Jesus”, where can we find Jesus in 2 Kings 7? ““Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.”
Falling Up Through the Story of Moses. Ex. 1:8-2:10.
Exodus 1:8-2:10 is one of the most surprising stories in the Bible. The oppressive thumb of the Egyptians leads to suffering, poor working conditions, and numerous attempts to take the life of baby boys. If you were looking at the situation from an outside perspective, death would be inevitable. God flips the script again and again, leading to not only survival, but thriving under the pressure. Our God is true to His promises, again and again!
Above All Else, Guard Your Heart. Matthew 15:1-20.
In Matthew’s Gospel, we find these amazing words of Jesus: “Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.” So, if we want to please God and honor Him with all of our lives, we must find a way to change our hearts. How do we go about doing this very thing? Do listen to this sermon on change!
Dale Peacock Memorial Service.
Mr. Dale was a friend to so many, a loving husband, wonderful father, and more! Most importantly, he was a born-again believer who trusted in Jesus for eternal life! Deacon Dale will be missed so much, and he will be missed by so many different people. Thank you to everyone that helped out to make this day a special one, and please keep the family in your prayers!
Parable of the Mustard Seed, Yeast, & Flour. Matt. 13.
Some things just don’t happen as quickly as we desire. We grow frustrated with a lack of visible growth, and inefficiency wears on us. The disciples didn’t understand the slowness of Jesus’ kingdom work, but in Matthew 13:31-35, we see the truth that God is working, and His timing is perfect. “Even when I don’t see it you’re working. Even when I don’t feel it you’re working.”
The Parable of the Wheat and Tares. Matthew 13.
Is Jesus at the right hand of the Father? Is He the King? Has all authority in heaven and earth been given to Him? Then way are things as messy as they are? Why haven’t the troublemakers been eliminated? This parable begins to answer some of those questions, ensuring us that Jesus is indeed in charge, and He is also showing us all a tremendous amount of grace right now. Do listen to this wonderful Parable of the Wheat and Tares!
The Prodigal Son. Youth Minister, Gloire Houmba.
A young man asks for his inheritance, squanders his wealth on loose living, and then regrets his decision when he finds himself envious of the pigs eating better than him! What can we learn from this story, and why would Jesus share it in response to the pharisees giving him a hard time about him hanging out with sinners and tax collectors? Are they the elder brothers in the story, refusing to enter the father’s party for the sinner that has returned home? Do listen to Gloire’s sermon on Luke 15:11-32.
The Greatest. Falls Creek 2026.
Before Jesus gives The Great Commission, he informs the audience that “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to him.” What is the nature of this statement? In this sermon, Pastor Phil makes his argument that the statement is revelatory in nature. The work of Christ is finished! It is time for him to be seated at the right hand of the Father! The Abrahamic promises have been secured! In light of this, go &make disciples!
Illumination Station VBS Program.
What a week! A huge thank you to the parents, helpers, custodian, lawn guy, games crew, music team, teachers, cooks, first aid worker, photographers, craft team, and most of all Mrs. Ali Bolz for all of her work with this year’s Illumination Station Vacation Bible School. We had an absolute blast sharing with the kids how Jesus lights up the world! This is our full program with music and more! We can’t wait for next year (and a nap)!
Festival of Booths & The Light of the World.
Jesus, in John 8:12, declares that he is the “light of the world.” This passage sits in an unfamiliar place for many of us, as we have never heard of the Festival of Booths, a Jewish festival where God’s people would make a pilgrimage, camp out for 8 days, and reflect on God’s direction and provision during their 40 year wilderness journey. During this time they intentionally remembered the rock that provided water and the pillar of fire by night. Jesus is both. A greater provision. Follow Him!
America 250! Lessons for a Nation from Habakkuk 2.
As we build up to the big 250 celebration, we look at a nation being judged by God, asking ourselves what individual and national righteousness looks like. Here, in Habakkuk 2, God’s people are being judged, and God is using an oppressive people to bring judgement! Habakkuk cries out to God, and God reassures him that God will leave no injustice unpunished. From the pride revealed in busyness, to the unfair economic practices…from the building a nation through violence and oppression to the sexual exploitation, God has taken note!
When God is Silent. From Various Psalms.
Sometimes the scriptures are so real, it is almost surprising! When the Psalmists cry out, begging for God to listen, and asking when God will hear and answer, there is part of us that understands. In this sermon, Pastor Phil addresses many of these Psalms, and looks to a Biblical remedy for the theological messes that we often find ourselves in! What we do know is that God is good, and his promises will come to fruition! Trust Him!
Rooted in Love. ACC Kids Camp. Romans 12:9-21.
We just got back from an amazing 4 days and 3 nights at Falls Creek. Thirty-three kids, fifteen sponsors, fun, laughter, and most importantly, everyone being pointed to Jesus! Just about every message we heard this week was rooted in the love of God, and as we returned, we opened our Bibles again to a passage that points us to a type of love that is truly supernatural! In this message we hear how we must not “be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good!” Romans 12:9-21.
Psalm 47, An Invitation to Participate in Worship
Do you remember the old song, Lets Give Them Something to Talk About? In this sermon we take a hard look at Psalm 47, looking to the Psalmists reflection on the past deliverance by our God, the present kingship of Jesus, and His future reign to come. He literally gives us something to sing about. These are reasons to not just praise, but to physically participate in worship! The psalmist literally invites us to sing, shout, and clap!
Pray What? Stephen’s Martyrdom & Forgiveness
In Acts 7, Steven gives an amazing defense of his faith, but it is not well received. Those that he is calling to repentance cover their ears, grind their teeth, and drag him out of town. After that they stone him! Yet, Steven does something incredible. He cries out in a similar manner to Jesus, “Lord, forgive them for they know not what they do.” This is a sermon about power of forgiveness and us overcoming the difficulties.
Changed by God's Grace & God's Spirit. Acts 2:42.
According to Acts 2:42, the early believers devoted themselves to four core pillars: the apostle's teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. Following Peter's Pentecost sermon and the baptism of 3,000 people, these new Christians established a community focused on learning, unity, shared meals, and continuous worship. In this sermon, Pastor Phil breaks down these opportunities, not to be seen as a burden, but instead a reason for hope!
An Easter Apologetic by the Testimony of 2 or 3.
“By the testimony of two or three witnesses every fact is to be established.” That is easy enough to understand, because we all know that one person can be wrong. Of course, when two or three all to be on the same page, there is no doubt that we should listen! On this Easter Sunday we considered the testimony of the Jewish Scriptures (Psalm 22), Creation, the New Testament eyewitnesses, and God’s living people! The conclusion: Our Risen Jesus is Lord!
Hold My Coffee. Matthew 25:31-46.
In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus tells his disciples that “He was hungry and they gave him something to eat, thirsty and they gave him something to drink, a stranger and they invited him in, in need of clothes and they clothed him, in sick and they looked after him, and in prison and they came to visit him.” They responded, “When Lord? When did we see you? When did we do these things?” Reading the next few chapters really changes our understanding of what Jesus is both saying and about to do.
The Good Shepherd Loves His Sheep. John 10:1-11.
In this sermon by our youth minister, Gloire Houmba, we hear a wonderful reminder that Jesus is indeed the good shepherd, the gate, and the one that offers us abundant life! Gloire is always so wonderful to hear from, and not just because of his passion! He does such a wonderful job of pointing us to the text again and again! Do you know his voice? Do you listen for it? Do you understand that our Jesus is the gate, and that he desires you to have a life of abundance here and now?! Do listen!
Score Keeping No More! Romans 6:1-14. 3/1/2026
In Romans 6:14, Paul makes it clear that things have changed. In fact, he says that “…sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” How does grace actually set us free to do things differently? In this sermon, we see how grace changes both our horizontal and vertical relationships, eliminating the scorekeeping, and freeing us to love. Horizontally we can practice our faith in a healthy way, and vertically we are freed to receive love from God who has adopted us as his own sons and daughters.
Adam’s Sin Changed Everything. Romans 5:12-19.
Have you ever made a mistake? Of course you have! We all have! Once Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden, everything changed, and that sin has been passed down to all of us. The Law sort of proves that we are who we are, but the Cross of Jesus speaks a different word! To the guilty tresspasser to the disobedient and condemned, it is no longer judgement, but now grace, justification, and peace!
Is He Calling Us to the Cross? Matthew 5:38-48.
Jesus doesn't make this easy! We are seemingly called to the selfless, humiliating, painful, and inconvenient way of the cross in Matthew 5:38-48. If you think turning the other cheek was going to be easy, you were wrong. Why does he insist that we bear up under our sufferings, even if the suffering seems to be unjust? Could it be that he is calling us onto the same path that he walked?
Dressed & Ready for Action: 10 Steps for Service.
Jesus tells us in Luke 12:35 that we should “Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit”, but what exactly does he mean? In this fun and practical sermon, we take some experiential lessons that Pastor Phil has picked up over the years. In this application heavy sermon, we see some practical ways that we can love and additional ways that we can be “ready to love”, because we know that opportunities will arise as we follow our Jesus!
Good Judge vs. Bad Judge. Luke 18:1-8.
When I grew up it was Judge Harry T. Stone from Night Court or Judge Wapner from The People’s Court that was always setting the standard for justice. Of course, none of these folks were perfect, but they were far better than the judge that Jesus speaks of in his parable! This judge in Luke 18 refuses to help, but finally gives in! In a story that goes from the lesser to the greater, we see how our God goes above and beyond the call for justice!
A Kind, Patient, & Gentle Rebuke. Galatians 6.
Galatians 6:1-6 is full of wisdom. “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” God has called us to this wonderful ministry of restoration, but this work is only fruitful when it is done in the Spirit. Have you had a hard time seeing progress in others? Are we approaching these conversations in a Spirit-filled way?
Literal, Hyperbole, & Reading with the Cross in Mind.
Luke 9:23-62 has some hard-to-understand statements. It seems like Jesus is telling a man that he should skip out on his father’s funeral, and he tells another man that there is no time to say goodbye to his loved ones. Take these into account with Jesus saying that we should “cut off the hand that causes us to sin,” and all of us a sudden our stories are starting to look quite differently. What do we do with these hard verses, and what does it mean to read with the cross in mind?
Looking for The Spirit of Babylon. Rev. 16, 17, & 18.
When Revelation was written, Babylon wasn’t flexing it’s muscle like it was in the Old Testament days. She was week, desolate, and powerless, which leads to the question: Why is she being judged so harshly in the book of Revelation? What we know from the scriptures is that Babylon’s judgement isn’t just reserved for the Babylonians, but instead for those that possess the spirit of Babylon, with her intoxicating sin, arrogance, and love of temporal possessions. May we see and repent of this spirit!
Heaven Isn’t What You Think. Revelation 21.
Heaven isn’t what you think. No, it is far better. It is the great city that comes down from heaven. It is physical, and full of physical bodies. In it there is no pain and suffering, and at the center of it is the one that we long for most of all, our King Jesus. Have you ever wondered what the scriptures teach about eternal life? Do listen to this sermon on Revelation 21, as we continue our walk through the Book of Revelation.
The God who IS, WAS, & IS TO COME. Revelation 1.
Revelation 1 begins with a promise: “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those that hear it and take to heart what is written in it.” We focused on Revelation 1:1-8, looking at the beautiful truth that our God is the one “who is, and was, and is to come.” Being rooted in these three truths changes everything! We do hope that you listen!
Sabbath and The Year of Jubilee.
What does it mean that Jesus is setting the oppressed free, and that he is “proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favor” when he reads from the scroll in Luke 4? This is none other than the awaited Year of Jubilee, when debts were canceled, slaves set free, and the great economic reset takes place, with even land being returned to its original family ownership. How is this being done in the lives of Jesus’s followers? Do listen!
Wide Right - The Story of God’s People. Nov. 16, 2024.
There is a 30 for 30 ESPN Special that is called The Four Falls of Buffalo, and it is about the Buffalo Bills making it to, and losing, back to back to back to back Superbowls. The kicker that missed the kick in the first Superbowl tells the story from the 28:33 mark, and his story continues for 12 minutes. It is a beautiful story that Pastor Phillip looks at through the lens of Hebrews 10, 11, and 12. If you have Netflix, you are encouraged to watch this segment before listening to the sermon.
Flipping Tables & Tearing Down the Temple. Mark 12.
Jesus has serious issues with things looking good on the outside, but being all nasty on the inside. From the whitewashed tombs, to the polished cups, it seems that the Temple had become a “den of robbers”, and the religious elites were praying upon the windows, the weak, the poor, and the vulnerable. The temple was like the fruitless fig tree, looking fruitful from a distance, but being of no good. Jesus changes everything. Do listen to this sermon from Mark 12:38-44.
Dead as Dead as Dead. Colossians 2:13-15.
Paul writes of our condition before Christ acted, describing the following: "When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ.” What are the implications of our deadness, and how should this change we see God’s action on our behalf? Do listen to this sermon on Colossians 2:13-15.
A Very Screwtape Holidays. Phil 2:5-11. Dec. 10, 2023.
In this sermon, Chapter 2 of CS Lewis’ Screwtape Letters, is lined up with with Phil 2:5-11. We see just how hard it can be for us to love each other. Of course it is hard to overcome the shallow-differences, but love becomes even more difficult as we grow in our awareness of people’s sins. Thank God that His love comes freely, without restraint, and that salvation comes FREELY, as a gift. Oh, to remind ourselves of this truth a million times over.
An End Times Christmas. Mark 13:23-37. Dec. 3, 2023.
Of course “end times sermons” usually emphasize negative events that come with judgment, but the truth is that there will also be much beauty before us. When Jesus returns, He will get the glory that He deserves, the elect will be gathered from the corners of the world, and more. Isn’t it amazing how this almost seems to fit the season, as we find Him getting the glory, people find themselves in the season of “gathering”, and as we prepare to be ready! Do listen to this beautiful look at what is to come!
Guest Speaker Randy Overton Preaches on Malachi
Are you a fan of leftovers, or would you rather have things right off the grill? Better yet, can you imagine someone famous coming over to your house…and you serving them leftovers? Of course we would never do that, but why do we often give God our second best? We bump all sorts of things above God on the priority scale, and that is a clear reflection of not just our attitudes, but of our hearts. God not only desires our best, but he deserves it! Do listen to this challenging message from Randy!
Jesus' Friendship Test. John 15:12-17. June 25, 2023.
Perhaps you remember those Teen Magazine surveys, and the 10 question test that lets you know "If you make a good best friend." Of course, Jesus isn't giving a fill-in-the-circle friendship test, but in John 15:12-17, He is giving insight into what makes him different. And he is calling us to follow him into the depths of real relationships with others.
Baby Christians & Tribal Righteousness. 1 Corinthians 3. Feb. 12, 2023.
What does Christian maturity look like? In 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, Paul speaks to these individuals about their childlike behavior. Oddly enough, we find ourselves falling into the same old traps, clinging to the same old things, looking to a righteousness other than Christ, growing jealous about material possessions, and the like. Maturity is often slow, but it is possible, and it comes when God’s people partner together as a team.
Cretans, lairs? Gentiles, in Darkness? Eph. 3:1-12. Jan. 8, 2022.
Epimenides was a classical philosopher and poet from Crete. He wrote once that “all Cretans are liars,” a line that Paul quotes in Titus 1:12. What? I mean, are they all that bad? What about the Holy Scriptures that describe Jesus coming to a people that are "...living in darkness"? Could the Gentiles really be that bad off? Yeah, they were, and to the surprise of all, God offered them the mystery of grace and mercy. Listen to this sermon on Eph 3:1-12.
Jacob: Walking Home with a Limp. Oct. 16, 2022.
Before Jacob wrestles with God in Genesis 32, we find him in the midst of a homecoming story that seems a bit unforgettable! After stealing his brother's blessing and taking his birthright, he follows his mom's advice and stays away for years. Now he is ready to come home, and he comes bearing gifts! What does this make-up story tell us about God's? What do we bring when we come home? And why does God send him away with a limp? It has something to do with grace!
You Are Not Your Own. Alan Noble. Sept. 18, 2022.
Guest speak Dr. Alan Noble visited FBC Covington. He gave a wonderful lecture from Acts 19:23-41, asking the question, “Why doesn’t the gospel upset people today?” Do you actually have to give up anything to be a Christian in our country? Are we asking them to? Dr. Noble leaves us with the unsettling words, “You are not your own.” These words center our hearts and minds, lead us to repentance, and so much more! Do listen!
Learning to Win Well. Seth McDevitt. June 26.
As God’s people marched around the walls of Jericho, they gained victory by God’s mighty hand. We see this story in Joshua 6:1-27. Today Christians find themselves victoriously celebrating “their win”, but both how victory came and how we respond matters. Listen to guest speaker Seth McDevitt’s challenging words!
Silence the Gatekeepers! Luke 18:9-19:10. June 5.
In this sermon we read the famous story of Zacchaeus in the context of Luke's words in chapter 18. How does Zacchaeus' story fit into the greater narrative of the the pharisee and the tax collector, or even Jesus' welcoming the children? In this sermon we see that God's mercy is deep, and that His mercy is wide! Oh Church, please let those needing mercy find God’s grace and love! Don’t keep them away! Luke 18:9-19:10.
Yes, This New Wine is Better. April 18, 2021.
Wineskins and old patches. What a difficult passage for a people who knows so little about wine and patching clothing, yet Luke 5:33-39 is unbelievably relevant for a people of grace! Jesus seems to be saying that there are systems & ways of thinking that are just not compatible with each other!
Archive.
We have retired the CD-ROM burner! Well, we can still use it if you need a CD copy, but the easiest option is our FULL DIGITAL ARCHIVE that is stored on YouTube! Not only can you find Sunday worship services, but you can even see FBC Youth Worship Services from time to time.
Click the link to view the digital archives!
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